I still like the idea I suggested a few years ago - minority language SD subchannels, e.g., SRC in SD with CBC in HD in Anglophone markets, CBC in SD with SRC in HD where French is dominant, saving the expense of building out two whole transmitters.

Not sure how much you actually save doing this. You still need to distribute and MPEG encode the signal. With separate transmitters you can often share an antenna (which they may already have anyway) so about all you are saving is the amplifier. Granted these aren't cheap, but in the scheme of things, it isn't a big deal.

It'd be nice if they'd loosen up a bit. The main broadcast networks all have BDU only shows that might be nice to add to broadcast. For example, CTV could add Newsnet and the CP24 channel and the CBC might broadcast CBC Documentary & News Network. Does Global have anything worth broadcasting? ;-)

I'm not sure why we are still discussing this topic. The CRTC has clearly indicated that ideas DHC members have proposed won't be permitted (even though many of the ideas are good! ) and the broadcasters have shown no interest in multicasting that the CRTC will allow (multiple existing OTA channels from single transmitter). My guess on the latter is that the suits that run the broadcast empires and could make this happen have no clue of the opportunities DTV provides, like subchannels.

The CRTC has stated that they will only be interested in new, innovative services on subchannels. For example, if SunTV had applied to air a new, all news service as a sub-channel for SunTV (prior to the CAT2 application), it would be looked upon favorably. OTOH, if the CBC wants to combine their existing English and French analog services on a single digital channel, that would not.

With separate transmitters you can often share an antenna (which they may already have anyway) so about all you are saving is the amplifier. Granted these aren't cheap, but in the scheme of things, it isn't a big deal.

From what I understand, and I could be wrong, please correct me if I am, but:

1. The CBC seems to be trying to move to UHF in advance of a roll out of Mobile DTV.

2. I'm under the impression that single-channel antennas are cheaper than broadband antennas.

3. I've been led to believe that combining gear is a pain compared to having a single transmitter hooked to a single antenna.

4. Transmitting only one signal instead of two reduces the power bill, in addition to only requiring one transmitter.

To me, it seems like there could certainly be savings in providing SRC by subchannel in places where the Francophone population is small. The down side in my mind is that it eliminates redundancy; in Toronto, for instance, if the gear for CBLT fails, the CBC could theoretically put the programming on CBLFT 25-2 while it's down.

Obed, just to make sure you are aware of the technical issues that cause many OTAers to dislike sub-channels, please be sure to read Post #15 in the OTA FAQ, which explains that as sub-channels are added, the picture quality of the main channel and any other sub-channels on it are compromised. While you may see good reasons for sub-channels, many of us despise them.

By the look of things HD picture quality should be superb for the Canadian stations for a long time to come and far superior to many of the US feeds leaking over the border. Should keep a few folks happy!

For example, CTV could add Newsnet and the CP24 channel and the CBC might broadcast CBC Documentary & News Network.

As discussed previously in other threads, even if the CRTC permitted it, not only is there little incentive for the networks to do it, there is actually a large disincentive. As cable only channels the broadcasters currently receive money from subscribers for them (even the ones on basic service). Put them on a sub-channel and the broadcaster would likely loose this funding.

1. The CBC seems to be trying to move to UHF in advance of a roll out of Mobile DTV.

The CBC is, but in many cases the SRC isn't, so they will continue to use their VHF-HI antenna.

Quote:

2. I'm under the impression that single-channel antennas are cheaper than broadband antennas.

3. I've been led to believe that combining gear is a pain compared to having a single transmitter hooked to a single antenna.

While true, in many if not most markets in question, the CBC will be sharing a UHF antenna with other stations so they will need to do these anyway.

Quote:

4. Transmitting only one signal instead of two reduces the power bill, in addition to only requiring one transmitter.

True.

The other factor that prevents the CBC from doing this is hockey. For most programming, you can get away with reducing the bandwidth and not see a huge difference in PQ. The exception is scenes with fast motion and since hockey is a big revenue generator for the CBC and it is one of the fastest moving sports they need all the bandwidth they can get.

The Commission shares the concerns of Pelmorex and others in this regard, and will therefore be predisposed to license new and innovative services, in preference to those that would merely duplicate the services of existing off-air, specialty or pay television undertakings.

Would be predisposed..... But I don't believe anyone has ever applied for a sub-channel licence. It could be easily argued that there is no conflict. That for over-the-air viewers, no service would be duplicated,(I don't believe there is presently any Canadian music, weather, retro or sports over-the-air channels). And for cable and sat subscribers, these subchannels would not appear on their dial. They would be none the wiser, not having an antenna. Really this bit appears to be nothing more than a sop to the objections of Pelmorex.

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